5 Easy Succulents for Atlanta, GA

Jake Hill

2 years ago

Succulents are growing in popularity because they’re an easy way to add texture and color to your garden. They don’t require much maintenance or water and can be grown anywhere that experiences six hours or more of sunlight per day. They do require proper drainage and can easily become bloated and can actually split open if over watered.

Most succulents in that are grown in the South annuals that are usually planted in containers where the soil is easier manipulated during the summer months. There are also perennial options like sedum that also work well in landscaping.

There are hundreds of different types of succulents that vary geometric shapes, distinct foliage colors, and textures. Some succulents flower and some don’t but either way they all add their own aesthetic flare to gardens.

Succulents like a specific type of soil and are usually planted in their own pots. The main things to look out for are getting rid of any initial air pockets by watering thoroughly the first time, fertilizing proper, and keeping the soil dry with proper drainage practices.

Without further ado, here are our 5 picks for easy succulents in Atlanta, GA:

1. Echeveria

Photo: Flickr / PINKÉ

Echeveria stem from fleshy thick-leaved rosettes that have a waxy cuticle on the exterior. They come in various shades and tones of blues, greens, deep purples, some with red tips, or wavy leaves. Due to the sensitivity of the foliage, it’s easy mar the skin and leave marks if you aren’t careful. The Echeveria succulent plant is slow growing and usually doesn’t exceed 12 inches in height or spread. Echeveria can be grown outside in the summer and indoors during the colder months. Some do better in the cold than others.

2. Crassula

Photo: Flickr / stephen boisvert

Crassula, more commonly known as the Jade plant (although there are over 130 different types of Crassula), is usually grown indoors and grows like a miniature tree with a trunk and branches, much like a bonsai plant. They are winter growers and typically have pinkish flowers. If you go with Jade then make sure it has bright light indoors and well-draining soil.

3. Sempervivum

Photo: Flickr / Skolnik Co

Sempervivum, often called Hens and Chicks because of the offshoots around the parent plant, also have succulent leaves that form thick-leaved rosettes much like the Echeveria. Most Hens and Chicks are natural growers in the southeast and easily adapt to the native climate. They thrive in full sun and definitely need well-draining soil.

4. Sedum

Photo: Flickr / Gilbert Garcia

The succulent foliage of sedum, another common name is stonecrop, range from upright flowering varieties to spreading ground covers. Low growing types are great for rock gardens whereas the taller varieties are great for perennial borders. This is another succulent that prefers full sun. Upright varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Matrona’ are perennials that bloom in the summer and fall.

5. Aloe

Photo: Flickr / Erik Levin

Aloe, specifically Aloe vera, is one of the most popular indoor plants/succulents. Many people keep it in their kitchen to help with burns. It’s been used as a first aid medicinal plant since the ancient times. There are over 450 varieties of Aloe with diverse forms and sizes, some only a few inches tall to larger species with stout 60ft trunks. Most Aloe should be grown outside during the summer months and brought inside during the colder months.

That’s our picks!

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